
Norovirus can infect people of all ages, but young children and elderly people often experience more severe symptoms. Outbreaks are more common during winter seasons.
Understanding Norovirus
Norovirus is a type of virus that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It spreads through the following behaviors:
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Consuming food or water contaminated with norovirus
- Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus
Symptoms of Norovirus
After the norovirus enters the body, it has an incubation period of about 12 – 48 hours before showing the following symptoms:
- Nausea and vomiting, often severe
- Diarrhea, watery stools
- Stomach cramps
- Low-grade fever, fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
Symptoms usually improve within 1 – 3 days, but if the patient has severe symptoms such as excessive diarrhea, vomiting, inability to eat, lethargy, high fever, or reduced urine output, which may indicate severe dehydration, they should be taken to the hospital immediately.
Treatment Guidelines
Currently, there is no specific treatment for norovirus. Treatment focuses on symptom management:
- Intravenous fluid administration
- Medications for nausea, stomach pain, or fever reduction
- Consuming soft foods
- Monitoring symptoms and preventing complications
Preventing Norovirus
Maintaining hygiene is key to preventing norovirus:
- Drink clean water
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after eating
- Eat well-cooked and clean food
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables before eating
- Use separate utensils if eating with others and avoid sharing food containers
- Infected individuals should avoid preparing food for others